Magomed Ozdoev, the former Zenit Saint Petersburg midfielder, spoke about the options he has for continuing his professional career. After his contract with Zenit ended, the player returned to his home city and has since been without a new club, assessing the best path forward. His current priority is to secure a place at a club competing at the European Championship level or higher, where he can contribute immediately and showcase his abilities on a broader stage.
Ozdoev acknowledged that interest has come from several regions. He noted that there were offers from Saudi Arabia, expressing respect for the league while explaining that he is not prepared to undergo a major life change at this moment. His desire remains to compete at a higher level and maintain competitive edge against top defenses in Europe or similar leagues. “I respect their championship, but I don’t see myself there for now. I want to continue playing at a higher tier”, he told the interviewer. [Source: Karpov interview, as quoted in regional media].
Additionally, there are ongoing conversations with clubs abroad from Turkey and other European nations. He is currently awaiting developments, aware that the current market situation presents a number of nuances that can affect timing and eligibility for a transfer. Ozdoev emphasized that any move will be contingent on finding the right fit both tactically and financially, ensuring he remains in a position to contribute at a high level. [Source: Karpov interview, corroborated by club statements].
On June 1, the 29-year-old midfielder saw his Zenit Saint Petersburg contract lapse, which left him as a free agent. He had been a fixture in the Neva River club since February 2018, grinding out 116 appearances across all competitions and recording eight goals along with eighteen assists during his tenure. His departure marked the end of a significant era for the club, and the open market now presents a fresh slate for Ozdoev to adapt to new tactical systems and leagues. [Contextual summary based on club records and player statistics].
Earlier updates indicated that Grigory Ivanov, president of FC Ural Yekaterinburg, addressed questions about potential negotiations with the former Zenit midfielder. These remarks reflect the broader interest in Ozdoev from teams seeking midfield balance, ball progression, and veteran leadership to stabilize or elevate mid-table campaigns. The ongoing dialogue underscores the value placed on his experience in top-flight football and his demonstrated versatility on the field. [Source: regional press briefings and club communications].